Court rejects pre-arrest bail for cops
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 26 2025: The Court of Session Judge (Prevention of Corruption) Imphal East today rejected anticipatory or pre-arrest bail filed by five police personnel including then Officer-in-Charge of Imphal East commando and a Sub Inspector who were suspended on the charge of striking a deal with drug dealers.

The anticipatory bail application was filed by Ningthoujam Devdas Singh (48), s/o N Ibochouba Singh of Keirenphabi Maning Leikai (then Officer-in-Charge of Imphal East commando); Sub Inspector Beishamayum Debson (40), s/o Devendra Singh of Singjamei Bheigyapati Leikai; Tarique Aziz (37), s/o Zuber Khan of Kiyamgei Muslim Awang Leikai; Kh Rakib (37), s/o Kh Ayaz of Kiyamgei Awang Leikai and Md Amin Khan (40), s/ o Md Rafijuddin of Keikhu Awang Leikai.

The case pertains to an incident that took place at Mantripukhri on August 5 where five individuals were detained for illegal transportation of 12 soap cases containing drugs and the inquiry revealed that the five personnel allegedly struck a Rs 26 lakh deal to release the drug smugglers.

The Court after hearing of the submission made by the counsel of the accused police personnel and PP for the State observed that the offence under Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, even though punishable upto 7 years only is a serious offence as it affects public administration and justice.

The Court also observed that the allegations against the accused are very serious in nature as they are police officers/personnel who are entrusted with the duty to maintain law and order and uphold law.

Significant power have been bestowed on police officers/ personnel under the relevant statute to enable them to maintain law and order, investigate, prevent crimes and uphold law, the Court said and added that in the present case it has been alleged that they used this power to illegally enrich themselves by taking bribe from persons who are stated to be found in possession of suspected drugs in exchange for releasing them.

The Court found no grounds to justify granting pre-arrest bail in this case, given the nature of the offence.

Consequently, the Court rejected the bail applications and vacated any prior pre-arrest bail granted to the accused.

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